Reliability
Mercedes-Benz

G-Class (W463old)

2000-2018 · Off-Road SUV · 1 engine
34 NHTSA Complaints
14 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
1 Crash Reports
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
G-CLASSG500
View all 2 generations of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

9.7 / 10

Reliability score

Very few owner complaints against similar off-road SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 4 powertrain complaints. A typical off-road SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 70.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.1 points in the typical case.

Covers the 2002 to 2018 model years only (the generation ran 2000 to 2018).

Breakdown
Complaints overall4 complaints against about 70 for similar vehicles
9.7
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced
n/aNot enough data
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20029.8
  • 2003n/a
  • 2004n/a
  • 2005n/a
  • 2007n/a
  • 2008n/a
  • 2009n/a
  • 2010n/a
  • 2011n/a
  • 2012n/a
  • 20139.8
  • 20149.8
  • 20159.8
  • 20169.8
  • 20179.8
  • 20189.8

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

Show 4 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints. A low count can mean a clean record, and it can also be a VIN-decode anomaly in NHTSA's data.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Unidentified Engine

4 complaints 1.3 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
2
other
1
body
1

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Body/Trim: 7 owner complaints
Steering: 6 owner complaints
Electrical System: 5 owner complaints

Recalls (14)

22V168000Mar 18, 2022serious
Engine & Cooling

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair. This can result in various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions, including stability and traction control.

21V058000Feb 5, 2021serious
Communication

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.

19V787000Nov 1, 2019serious
Communication

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2017 vehicles due to a software fault that may cause the date and time for the emergency call system (eCall) to differ from the actual date and time, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V787-4620.pdf

18V457000Jul 10, 2018serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with the incorrect reverse speed limitation software. While in reverse, any abrupt changes in steering while exceeding 16 MPH may cause the vehicle to become unstable.

17V817000Dec 18, 2017serious
Service Brakes

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2017 Mercedes G550 & G550 4x4 Squared vehicles. The vacuum hose for the brake booster may collapse resulting in increased braking effort.

Show 9 older recalls
17V713000Nov 14, 2017serious
Forward Collision Avoidance

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016-2017 G550 4Matic, G63 AMG, and G65 AMG vehicles. A malfunction of the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), while Distronic Plus is engaged, may cause the engine to not reduce power, regardless of the vehicle's speed, driving situation or brake application.

17V250000Apr 11, 2017serious
Steering

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.(MBUSA) is recalling certain 2013-2016 G550 and G63 AMG vehicles and 2016 G65 AMG vehicles. The steering coupling may have been insufficiently tightened, resulting in the steering connection wearing.

17V177000Mar 14, 2017serious
Electrical System

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 AMG GT-S, GLC300, CLA250 and GLE300d 4Matic vehicles, 2013 C250, E350 BlueTec and G63 AMG vehicles, 2008-2014 C300 vehicles, 2013-2014 C300 4Matic and ML350 4Matic vehicles, 2009 C350 vehicles, 2014 CLS550, E350 4Matic, E350 Coupe 4Matic, E350 Wagon 4Matic, GLK350 and SL550 vehicles, 2012 CLS550 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2016 E350 vehicles, 2016-2017 GL450 4Matic vehicles, 2012-2014 ML350 4Matic BlueTec vehicles, 2015 S550, S550 4Matic and C300 4Matic Sedan vehicles, 2015-2016 C300 Sedan vehicles, and 2017 SL63 AMG vehicles. Various control units on these vehicles may have been updated with incorrect software, potentially affecting the correct deployment of the air bags in the event of a crash.

17V178000Mar 14, 2017serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 G550 4MATIC and G63 AMG vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the cable that unlatches the door when the inner door handle is pulled may break if the door is difficult to release, such as could occur after a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."

12V380000Aug 6, 2012serious
Structure

Mercedes-Benz is recalling certain model year 2011 G550 and G55 (AMG) vehicles manufactured from September 20, 2010, through April 27, 2011. During the front passenger air bag deployment, parts of the molding strip could potentially become loose and become a projectile in the passenger compartment.

10V366000Aug 5, 2010serious
Exterior Lighting

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2010 G-CLASS VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "'LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A GRILL COVER FOR FRONT TURN SIGNAL PROTECTION THAT, WHILE PERMISSIBLE, MAY IMPACT OVER TIME THE SIGNAL'S ABILITY TO MEET THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108.

09V453000Nov 24, 2009serious
Fuel System, Other

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2009 550 G-CLASS VEHICLES. THE FUEL LINE QUICK CONNECTORS LOCATED UNDER THE VEHICLE AWAY FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CONNECTED PROPERLY ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE AND COMPLETELY SEATED IN THE CONNECTION. IN CASE OF A FRONTAL CRASH, THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NO LONGER FUNCTION BUT A PARTIAL DISLOCATION OF THE LINE COULD LEAD TO A POTENTIAL FOR FUEL LOSS FROM THE LINE AT THE QUICK CONNECTOR.

08V303000Jul 7, 2008serious
Electrical System

MERCEDES-BENZ IS RECALLING MY 2006-2008 M-CLASS, R-CLASS, MY 2005-2009 SLK-CLASS, MY 2005-2008 C-CLASS, MY 2003-2004 AND 2006-2008 CLK-CLASS, MY 2003-2008 E-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2008 CL-CLASS, MY 2008 CLS-CLASS, MY 2004 AND 2007-2008 S-CLASS, MY 2003 G-CLASS, AND MY 2003-2004, 2006 AND 2009 SL-CLASS VEHICLES. A SOFTWARE CALIBRATION NUMBER (SCN) CODING RECEIVED ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES DURING A RECENT WORKSHOP VISIT WAS INCORRECT. DEPENDING ON THE MODEL YEAR AND MODEL AFFECTED, THE RESULTS OF AN INCORRECT SCN CODING CAN AFFECT A NUMBER OF VEHICLE SAFETY AND EMISSION FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF FUNCTIONS: (1) THE FUEL GAUGE READINGS MAY BE INCORRECT; (2) A STUCK FUEL-LEVEL SENSOR MAY NOT BE DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER; (3) THE OBD SYSTEM MAY CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE INCORRECTLY; AND, (4) THE SPEEDOMETER MAY BE OUT OF TOLERANCE.

05V378000Aug 29, 2005serious
Fuel System

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE FUEL RETURN HOSE BETWEEN FUEL TANK AND RETURN LINE CAN BE PERMEATED WITH FUEL. THIS SITUATION RESULTS FROM THE EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE HOSE UNDER PRESSURE CAUSING MICROCRACKS IN THE HOSE MATERIAL.

Alternatives in Off-Road SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class complaints?

Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the steering and the electrical system.

Is the 2000-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class have?

NHTSA has 34 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2000-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

NHTSA lists 14 recalls covering some 2000-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Mercedes-Benz G-Class?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the steering and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the G-Class have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 34 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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